Qiang Huang
Quick Hits – What’s Inside
Three hours. That's how long my clients waited in the sun at the South Gate of the Bund Tunnel last week. Forget the glossy brochures — if you don't know the exact WeChat mini-program trick, you aren't getting into the best deck without pain. I've been guiding in Shanghai for 12 years, and I've seen every skyline spot fail for tourists who didn't plan ahead. Here is exactly how to skip the queues, handle the cashless payment nightmare, and see the real best skyline views Shanghai in under two hours.
1. The Bund: Classic but Crowded
You can't skip the Bund — but you can outsmart it. Most tourists jam onto the main viewing platform opposite the Peace Hotel. I bring my groups to the north end, near the Waibaidu Bridge. Fewer people, same jaw-dropping Pudong skyline.
- Address: Zhongshan East 1st Rd, Huangpu District
- Metro: Line 2 or 10, East Nanjing Road Station, Exit 7 (then 5-min walk east)
- Best time: 5:00 PM – grab your spot, watch the sunset, then see the lights turn on at 6:30 PM. Avoid lunchtime — garbage trucks and construction noise kill the vibe.
- Cost: Free, always.
- My tip: The public bench area near the Customs House has a direct line to the Pearl Tower. Bring a bottle of water from the FamilyMart across the street (they accept Alipay only, so carry cash for backup).
2. Shanghai Tower: Highest Glass Floor
This is the tallest building in China, and the observation deck on the 118th floor (546 m) will make your legs weak. I've had clients refuse to step on the glass. But the view — priceless.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 501 Yincheng Middle Rd, Lujiazui |
| Metro | Line 2, Lujiazui Station, Exit 6 – 8 min walk underground (follow signs) |
| Ticket Price | Adult 180 RMB (¥); Children 1-1.4 m 90 RMB; Seniors 65+ 100 RMB |
| Booking | Required via WeChat mini-program “上海中心” or on Trip.com – walk-up often sold out |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM (last entry 8:30 PM) |
| Best Time | 4:30 PM – catch daylight, sunset, and night lights in one go |
My insider move: Don't wait in the main elevator line on the ground floor. Go up to the Museum of Contemporary Art on the 2nd floor, buy your ticket there – line is always shorter. Also, the bathroom on the 118th floor has a urinal with a direct window view – seriously.
3. Jin Mao Tower: Secret Bar Hack
Jin Mao's official observation deck is on the 88th floor (340 RMB last time). Rude price. Instead, head to the Cloud 9 Bar on the 87th floor of the J Hotel. Order one drink (around 120 RMB) and you get the same view without the ticket. Plus, live jazz on Fridays.
- Address: 88 Century Ave, Pudong
- Metro: Line 2, Lujiazui Station, Exit 4 – 5 min walk
- Bar hours: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM (last call 12:30 AM)
- Dress code: Smart casual – no slippers or tank tops (I saw a guy refused)
4. Oriental Pearl: Tourist Trap or Worth It?
Honest opinion: the Oriental Pearl Tower is outdated. The glass floor on the 259 m level is scratched, and the queue is always 45 minutes. I skip it unless a client insists. If you must go, buy the combined ticket for the Space Module on the 351 m floor – fewer crowds but triple the price (220 RMB). The revolving restaurant at 267 m is okay – food is average but the view is non-stop.
5. Lujiazui Green: Free Grass View
Want a postcard shot without paying a dime? Walk to the Lujiazui Green Park right behind the Pearl Tower. The small lawn there points directly at the three tallest towers. Lie on the grass and look up – that's my go-to spot for a picnic skyline experience.
6. Pu Xi Side: The Bund Waterfront
The Bund waterfront on the Pu Xi side is free and gives you the classic view of Pudong. But the real gem is the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel? No, skip that – it's a 3-minute ride in a glass cart with neon lights for 50 RMB. Waste of money. Instead, walk from the Customs House to the Huangpu Park – that stretch has the best photo angle.
7. SWFC: The Bottle Opener
Shanghai World Financial Center (100 Century Ave) has the “Sky Arena” on the 100th floor (474 m). Its glass-walled walkway is terrifying – you can look straight down. Ticket: 180 RMB (adult). I combine it with Shanghai Tower since they're next to each other. Pro tip: buy a combo ticket from Trip.com (320 RMB for both) – saves 40 RMB.
FAQ – Real Questions from My Tour Groups
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Been living in Shanghai for 5 years and I thought I'd seen it all—this list proves me wrong. The hidden rooftop garden mentioned is a true gem. Zero tourists, just locals sipping tea and snapping skyline shots. Feels like a secret.
Brought my parents here on their first trip to China—they couldn't stop taking photos. The observation deck was clean, not too crowded (went at 4pm), and the staff let us stay a bit past closing because we asked nicely. Pure Shanghai magic.
Absolutely blown away by the view from the bar on the 52nd floor. Sunset was magical—golden light hitting the Pearl Tower. The waitress even pointed out hidden landmarks. My new favorite spot in Shanghai!
Checked out a couple of the bars listed—nice views, but my wallet took a hit. A single cocktail cost more than my dinner! The skyline is beautiful, no doubt, but for budget travelers, save your money for street food instead.
I‘d been hyped to try these spots after reading the article, but honestly, the bund observation deck was way too crowded even on a Tuesday. The view itself is fine, but you’re elbow-to-elbow with selfie sticks. Not worth the hassle if you ask me.